The 10 Best Road Bikes Under $1000 of 2022

Cycling is gaining momentum both in the competitive and leisure world, and it’s no surprise.

This hobby, which has been around for hundreds of years, is something that both men and women, young and old fit and sedentary, can enjoy and learn to love.

The open road is appealing to many for both relaxation and commuting needs. Using a bike for your primary mode of transportation saves money, time, and the environment.

Those who have been at it for some time may find themselves looking to invest in a nicer set of wheels to continue pursuing this passion.

Others might also be interested in buying a high-quality but affordable bike for investment that can take them from beginner to expert without the need to upgrade.

Purchasing a road bike can be scary, but this article looks at the good, the bad, and the ugly – to find the nicest set of wheels for the budget.

After doing 35 hours of research, the Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike looks like the best road bikes under 1000 because of its carbon fiber fork, lighter weight, high-quality Shimano drivetrain, and the lifetime frame warranty from Tommaso.

Without further ado, let’s have a look at our top 10 picks of road bikes you can buy today.

Best Road Bikes Under $1000

1. Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Given its reputation, it’s no surprise to see Tommaso bike as the top of this list.

The Forcella Endurance is a bit more expensive than the Imola, but it does offer some extra perks to those who are more serious about their cycling. The Forcella comes in six sizes and two stylish matte colors.

With similar features to the Imola, like an aluminum frame, Shimano Claris Groupset with 24 speeds, and Shimano Claris dual-pivot brake calipers, the Forcella comes in a bit lighter at 22.7 lbs.

This is due, in part, to the addition of the carbon fiber fork, which offers incredible strength while shaving off pounds, and doing an excellent job of absorbing road vibrations.

So is it worth the extra couple hundred dollars to upgrade from the Imola to this? If you’re planning on doing a lot of long-distance riding, where the weight reduction could be useful, or if speed is a concern of yours, then it’s worth a try.

Owners had great things to say about it, and thanks to Tommaso’s limited lifetime frame warranty and one-year components’ warranty, it’s not too much of a risk.

Pros:

  • Aluminum frame makes it lightweight.
  • The lightweight feature makes it an ideal choice for serious cyclists.
  • The carbon fiber fork is excellent at absorbing road vibrations.
  • The colors are stylish yet simple.
  • The Shimano Claris groupset is high-quality.

Cons:

  • Like the Imola, many reviewers said the wheels would need replacing.
  • The price is a bit higher than the similar Imola bike, without too many big changes that would affect beginner riders.

If you’re racing, doing long-distance rides, or your roads are bumpy, go for the Forcella. It’s a well-made bike with high-quality components that can stand up to heavy riding and provide a great time.

2. Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road Bike

Tommaso is a name synonymous with well-made bikes, and the Imola Endurance is one of their most popular choices. It comes in six sizes and three colors, making it an excellent choice for any height size rider.

The bike has a light but sturdy aluminum frame, weighing in at 23.8 lbs and depending on the size.

One of the most impressive features of Tommaso bikes is their Shimano groupset – the Imola is equipped with a Shimano R2000 Claris groupset, offering 24 speeds.

The brakes are Shimano Claris dual-pivot brake calipers, the fork is vibration-absorbing steel, and the tires are 25mm wide. This bike is well-loved by many riders, and the reviews reflect that.

The biggest downfall of this bike is the wheels – many reported having trouble with them, and that they needed to be replaced to match the quality of the rest of the bike.

Pros:

  • The bike has super lightweight aluminum frame.
  • The Shimano groupset is high-quality and will reduce the number of repairs needed compared to other bikes with cheaper components.
  • The price for this bike is well below $1000.
  • The steel fork helps absorb road vibrations without adding too much weight.
  • The double lever shifters are easy to use without having to change hand positions.
  • Tommaso offers a lifetime frame warranty and a one-year warranty on components.

Cons:

  • The wheels included in the package are low-quality and need upgrading.
  • The seat is uncomfortable and will need to be changed for long-term use.

Overall, the Imola looks like one of the best road bikes under 1000 – it’s even well-below that price!

Its high-quality groupset and sturdy construction, plus Tommaso’s respected U.S.-based customer service, make it a definite contender for the top pick.

3. Raleigh Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike

Raleigh Merit 2 Endurance Road Bike

The Raleigh Bikes Merit 2 Endurance road bike is another well-made bike from a well-known bike company.

The Merit 2 comes in a classy silver color and six sizes. The aluminum frame and fork keep the bike lightweight at 23.5 lbs.

The Shimano Claris groupset is high-quality and smooth with 16 speeds to choose from.

The mechanical disc brakes are a popular choice with cyclists, as their braking power is not affected by weather or road conditions.

The tires are 28mm wide, which can give some much-needed traction on various terrains.

While the color combo is not everyone’s favorite, the bike has lots of other good features. It has a more relaxed geometry for both new and experienced leisure or commuter riders, and there are eyelets included for attachments.

Pros:

  • The bike is lightweight but strong with aluminum frame and fork.
  • The Shimano Claris groupset is high-quality and smooth.
  • The disc brakes work great in any road condition and weather and offer quick stopping power.
  • The fender has eyelets for mounting fenders.
  • The relaxed geometry makes it a better fit for leisure and commuter riders.
  • The wheel width can handle some sandy or dirt terrain without slipping.

Cons:

  • There may be some assembly issues to work through straight out of the box.
  • The color combo may not be everyone’s first pick.
  • The aluminum fork will not absorb as much road vibrations.
  • This bike is not for racing due to its geometry and tire width.

Like Tommaso, Raleigh Bikes also offers a limited lifetime warranty on their frame and a one-year warranty on their components; however, the bike is a bit more expensive than the Tommaso.

The Merit 2 looks like a great bike for those who encounter a bit of rough terrain on their rides because of the wider tires, or those who ride in a lot of wet conditions and need the braking power the disc brakes offer.

4. SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike

SAVADECK Carbon Road Bike

The first carbon fiber road bike in the line-up, the SAVADECK Warwinds3.0 700c Road Bike, comes in four sizes and four flashy and unique color combinations.

It weighs in at 21.16 lbs., making it one of the lightest bikes in this article. While light, the carbon fiber is as strong as steel and reduces road vibrations with the same power.

The brakes are also a bit different than previous bikes, with double-v braking power. The Shimano Derailleur system offers 22 speeds, and the wheels are a slim 23mm wide.

Reviewers rave about this bike, from the high-quality aspects, the attention to detail that SAVADECK shows, and the ease of its assembly.

Pros:

  • The carbon fiber frame and fork are lightweight but extremely strong and shock absorbing.
  • The Shimano components are high-quality, last longer, and need less repairs.
  • SAVADECK’s customer service is helpful, according to buyers.
  • The bike was perfectly packaged and will only take half an hour to assemble.
  • Attractive design and several color options (Blue, Grey, Orange, Red) to choose from.

Cons:

  • This bike is at the top of the price range.

For the serious biker who wants something lightweight, strong, smooth, and cool-looking, the SAVADECK Warwinds is a great investment.

Reviewers noted that the bike is well-built and rides like a much more expensive bike. Due to the high-quality components and carbon fiber frame, this is a bike to enjoy for many years to come.

5. Diamondback Bicycles Century 2 Endurance Road Bike

Diamondback Bicycles Century 2

Are you in need of a bike that combines speed with comfort, and has the strength for the long-distance commute?

Owning a Diamondback Century 2 is a worthwhile investment that will serve you for a considerable number of years.

A 7005-aluminum alloy frame that is solid, durable, lightweight, coupled with an enhanced performance geometry, will help you have a swell time when racing.

Since you will be riding in an upright position, stress will be off your neck and lower back, keeping you in top shape for hours.

Having Shimano 105 10-speed or Sora 2×9 speed drivetrain allows you to have a smooth ride thanks to the ranges of gears you can access.

Using a HED Flanders C2+ wheelset, which is durable, fast, and reliable, enables you to have a controlled and comfortable ride.

Pros:

  • The podium performance carbon fork absorbs vibration from uneven terrain.
  • Presence of tapered head tube promotes stable and quick steering.
  • Use of tektro Lyra disc brakes increase the braking power and responsiveness.
  • Enhanced Performance Geometry keeps you fatigue-free on prolonged rides.
  • Ready rides at 95% assembled.
  • Limited lifetime warranty on the frame if on direct purchase.

Cons:

  • The saddle feels uncomfortable.

Even though the Diamondback Bicycles Century 2 Endurance Road Bike gets recommended for beginners, its robust features and capabilities are not underrated.

With its retro look, it will be a perfect blend for the city and off-road.

6. Raleigh Women’s Super Course Endurance Road Bike

Raleigh Women’s Super Course Endurance Road Bike

This one is for the ladies. With the same famous Raleigh Bikes quality and lifetime warranty on the frame and fork, the Super Course Endurance is a steel frame with an aluminum fork, weighing in at 23.4 lbs.

The derailleurs, cranks, brake levers, and shifter are all high-quality Shimano Claris, and the bottom bracket and cogset are from Shimano as well.

This bike comes in two stylish blue colors and four sizes, with minimal extra designs, and a comfortable, yet stylish, Brooks saddle.

Reviewers commented on how good-looking and retro the bike was, without giving up any speed or endurance. This bike is a head-turner with lots of style and functionality.

Pros:

  • The steel frame is strong and vibration absorbing.
  • The colors are classy and stylish.
  • There are many sizes available.
  • The Shimano components are high-quality and long-lasting.
  • Raleigh Bikes offers a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and fork of their bikes.

Cons:

  • Steel can oxidize when wet, so it may not be a great choice for those living in humid climates.
  • The aluminum fork will not have the shock-absorbing power of the rest of the steel frame.

Classy and functional, this bike will be sure to turn heads and keep up with the big boys.

It’s a mid-range price for this category, and while it may not have some of the flashy features of the others, it’s a great road bike for women (and the right-sized men) who want an affordable, light, and sturdy road bike for commuting or leisure.

7. Giordano Libero 2.0 Road Bike

Giordano Libero 2.0 Road Bike

Inspired and designed by Italian racing experts, the Giordano Libero 2.0 is their original road bike design and their intermediate level offering for road cyclists.

The lightweight aluminum frame is equipped with a Shimano Sora 18-speed drivetrain, and the entire bike weighs between 23-25 lbs. It depends on the size, which includes the kickstand and reflectors.

It comes in three sizes, side pull brakes, and 25mm wide tires. The fork is made of shock-absorbing, and robust carbon fiber, and the colors are a classy black, white, and red combination.

The 25mm tires are great for long road-rides and quick speeds, but some reviewers mentioned that the tires were low quality and affected the usefulness of the side pull brakes.

Pros:

  • High-quality lightweight aluminum box frame and carbon fork.
  • The Shimano drivetrain is high-quality, easy to maintain, and easy to repair.
  • The kickstand and reflectors are included.
  • Classy looks for its appearance.
  • Reviewers noted that the bike was packaged well and didn’t take much time to assemble.

Cons:

  • The tires need to be replaced to match the rest of the bike quality.
  • The side-pull brakes are affected by the tire quality, and the pads may need to be replaced quickly for maximum stopping power.
  • White areas of the bike easily get dirty.

A great bike, and well under the $1000 price mark, the Libero 2.0 has a sturdy design, a high-quality Shimano drivetrain, and a shock-absorbing carbon fork. Is it much better than any of the previous bikes listed?

For the price, it may be your best choice for a road bike that combines smoothness with speed, but it doesn’t necessarily seem to be the best road bikes under 1000 when compared to the others on the list.

8. Pure Cycles Classic 18-Speed Disc Road Bike

Pure Cycles Classic 18-Speed Disc Road Bike

A fun, minimalistic bike offered in six sizes (49cm/X-Small, 51cm/Small, 53cm/Medium, 56cm/Large, 58cm/X-Large, 60cm/XX-Large) and three nice colors, the Pure Cycles Classic 18-Speed Disc Road Bike offers a strong steel frame and fork that can handle many miles on the road.

It features Shimano Sora derailleurs and brake levers, and 28mm wide tires, which can handle lots of different road conditions with ease.

Disc brakes offer high stopping power and are not affected by road and weather conditions, as the braking takes place on a separate disc, and not the rim of the tire.

The bike itself weighs 26 lbs. And it is a popular choice of both men and women thanks to its many size options.

Pure Cycles offers a fully-built delivery option, which brings a ready-to-ride bike to your door for just an extra $100!

Both this and the bike shop pickup, which is the same price, automatically activate the lifetime warranty on the frame and the one-year warranty on the components.

Pros:

  • The bikes comes with super strong 4130 chromoly steel frameset.
  • The Shimano Sora components are high-quality and long-lasting.
  • The front and rear alloy Promax disc brakes offer great stopping power in any conditions.
  • Pure Cycles offers a fully assembled delivery option.
  • Pure Cycles has a lifetime warranty on their frames and a one-year warranty on the components.

Cons:

  • The bike is on the heavier end for a road bike.
  • Some of the components are not named brand and may break easily and require replacing.
  • There aren’t as many reviews on this bike as the others.

Well under the price range of $1000, this bike is stylish and simple and offers some great features to cyclists.

Overall, it doesn’t seem to have better features than some of the other bikes in this list, but it’s an option for those wanting a decent road bike for an affordable price.

9. RapidCycle GRAND-20sp Shimano Tiagra Aluminum Road Bike

RapidCycle GRAND Road Bike

A newer brand name on the list, RapidCycle cuts no corners when manufacturing the Grand road bike.

This bike is made of aircraft-quality alloy steel, the frame and fork have a lifetime warranty, and it comes in three colors (including a bright and eye-catching completely red frame) and two sizes.

As the name suggests, the bike is equipped with a Shimano Tiagra Race groupset, giving 20 speeds overall for any topography.

It features brake calipers and 23mm wide wheels. Even with the steel frame, it weighs in at a light 22-24 lbs., depending on the size.

Reviewers had mostly great things to say about this bike, including that its construction was well-done, it was packaged well when it arrived, and that the handlebar grips were extremely comfortable.

The wheels are not the greatest quality, but overall this seems like a much nicer bike than the price (well under $1000) would suggest.

Pros:

  • 7005 Aircraft-grade Aluminum Alloy makes it pretty lightweight.
  • The Shimano Tiagra drivetrain is high-quality and works smoothly between the 20 gears.
  • The handlebar grips are comfortable without modifications.
  • The bike was packaged well and relatively easy to assemble.

Cons:

  • The wheels need some work or replacing to match the quality of the rest of the bike.
  • The bright color choices may not appeal to everyone.
  • The geometry is a more aggressive set-up and may not be comfortable for casual riders.

The RapidCycle is definitely a bike to consider when shopping for a high-quality and affordable road bike.

However, it’s few sizes, and flashy colors may deter some shoppers who may find a better choice in some of the previously mentioned options.

10. RALEIGH Bikes Willard 1 Gravel Adventure Road Bike

RALEIGH Bikes Willard 1 Road Bike

The quality craftsmanship of Raleigh is visible in the output of Willard 1, no matter the terrain you opt to ride it on.

Willard 1 has wilder tires that give it a firm grip when riding on gravel or rough roads, unlike other bikes.

With a superbly engineered geometry, you have full confidence and control needed to stay stable as you enjoy your ride.

It has an aluminum frame and fork with an integrated cartridge bearing headset that promotes weightlessness and durability.

The Shimano Sora 9 speed shifter offers you a wide gear range with options of 18 speed to choose from as you move from a smooth to an uneven road.

It also features a Shimano Claris HG50 8-speed, 11-32T Cogset, Shimano Claris 2×8 speed shifter that allows you to change gear with ease and precision.

Pros:

  • Use of mechanical disc brakes gives optimal stopping power in wet and windy weather conditions.
  • Front and rear thru-axle offers more responsive riding.
  • Clement X’PLOR 700x40c wide tires and Raleigh Aluminum, 28h, double-wall wheelsets are suitable for riding on gravel.
  • It has fender and rack mounts.
  • Available in different sizes to suit different heights of riders.

Cons:

  • The seat feels a bit uncomfortable.
  • Limited color choices.

The stable build nature allows you to stay in control no matter the terrain.

RALEIGH Bikes Willard 1 offers much more for its affordable price and ensures a great experience when riding it.

Buying Guide of Road Bikes Under 1000

Frame Materials

Steel: A traditional bike material, steel is very sturdy and strong, holding up to rough rides and heavyweights.

The bikes will also be the heaviest of the materials, and steel doesn’t always do well in wet climates due to oxidation.

Aluminum: Much more lightweight than steel, and without the humidity concerns, aluminum is currently the most popular bike material because of its weight and price point.

However, aluminum may not hold up to heavier riders, and it can be more easily bent in crashes or heavy impact.

Carbon Fiber: The highest price and quality of bike materials, carbon fiber is a composite that boasts the strength of steel with the lightweight of aluminum.

Of course, that claim comes with a heavy price tag, and carbon fiber is better suited to professional cyclists who truly need the pounds shaved off of their bikes.

Wheels

Road bike wheels will be a bit of a cross between skinny, lightweight racing wheels, and more sturdy, all-terrain mountain biking wheels in their width.

While the widths vary based on terrain needs, the common wheel size for road bikes is 700cc.

The most common road wheel rims will be composed of aluminum, with professional bikers choosing carbon fiber for reduced weight.

The most common type of tire tubes is clincher tires, which simply means they have a tube of air inside the tire.

Tubular tires have a similar makeup to clincher tires, but the tube of air is enclosed and protected within the wheel. These types of tires are harder to repair and are best left to the professionals.

Tubeless tires are most commonly found on mountain bikes but are gaining popularity with road bikers. These tires feature an airtight clincher system with no inner tube.

Pedals

Pedals are a personal preference for many road bikers. A variety is available depending on the needs and desires of the cyclist.

Platform bike pedals are the most common type of pedal and what you’ll find on most road bikes direct from the manufacturer.

They are also what most riders used on their beginner bikes when first learning to ride. They are usually lightweight, easy to dismount, and include traction grips.

Toe clips (also called toe cages) are not nearly as popular as they once were. They involve small frames that the rider’s toes are inserted into and allow the rider to pedal down through the stroke, but also pull back up through it too.

Clipless bike pedals involve special shoes that let the rider clip into the pedal, much like a ski boot into skis. They were developed as an easier-to-remove alternative to the toe clips.

Brakes

The most common type of brake on road bikes are caliper brakes, which are mounted in the middle and above each wheel, and that clamp down on the rim of the wheel when the levers are pulled.

Amongst caliper brakes, the most popular are dual pivot brakes. They are easy to maintain and provide great stopping power.

V-brakes, mostly popular with mountain bikers, have begun to gain popularity with road bikers as well. These are mounted onto bosses on the frames and fork and can be used in different conditions and allow clearance for mudguards.

Disc brakes are another popular type of brake. These are mounted onto a separate disc that’s attached to the hub and operates without touching the actual wheel rim. This makes them an excellent choice for various weather conditions.

Components

Components are the aspects of the bike that are replaceable, unlike the frame or fork.

High-quality components are facts that make the difference between a high-quality road bike and a standard road bike. However, nice parts can also raise the price of the bike.

A name brand like Shimano is something to look for when shopping for a road bike.

A drivetrain, in the meantime, is a complete set that is designed to function together and works best as a whole.

Some bike manufacturers will try to attract buyers by throwing out a name brand of a few of their components, but the rest of their components are third-party pieces that are not high-quality or made to function with the name brand components.

Thankfully, most components are replaceable, so if you find a great deal on a frame you love, a lot can be done to improve the various parts of the bike.

Conclusion

After looking at the best road bikes under 1000, it’s clear that there is a lot of great option for cyclists out there who are looking for a high-quality ride without too hefty of an investment.

The bike offerings available make it easy for anyone to afford to enjoy getting out on the open road and riding for as long as desired.

At this price range, materials and components matter, and there were quite a few options like the Tommaso bikes and Raleigh Bikes that offer high-quality frames with Shimano brand components.

In the end, the greatest factor in a successful riding trip is you, because it is you who will have to decide to buy that bike and take it out on the road.

Whether you’re a beginner or an avid cyclist, there are many affordable and well-made road bikes you can choose from to make sure your chosen bike can keep up with you and your travels.

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